CONFIDENTIAL
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Poul Hartling (former Prime Minister of Denmark), was appointed by acclamation of the UN General Assembly at its 32nd session. He took office with effect from 1 January 1978. The delegation will wish to congratulate Mr Hartling on his appointment and refer to his official visit to the United Kingdom from 4-7 June 1978 as a guest of HMG.
The delegation will also wish to offer congratulations on the progress made by Mr Hartling's predecessor,
Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, during 1977 and by Mr Hartling himself during the current year. We lament the general growth of refugee problems in the world and the heavy burden this has placed on the High Commissioner.
Kurdish Refugees
It would not be to our advantage to discuss or comment on this subject (see Annex I).
Rhodesian Refugees
The considerable numbers of Rhodesian African refugees in neighbouring African countries will almost certainly be dis- cussed. At last year's session, the "observer" representing the Fatrioric Front made a bitter attack on the British government's handling of Rhodesia problems. It will be surprising if the Patriotic Front do not make a similar attack this year, basing their objections on the recent Bingham report: FCO Guidance telegram number 131 of 18 September contains general points for defensive use. On other matters in connexion with Rhodesian refugees, the delegation may speak on the following lines (background is at Annex II):
Although we are continuing to contribute generously to the work of the UNHCR and the other relief agencies working for Rhodesian refugees, we see our attempt to bring about a peaceful negotiated settlement which will create conditions in which all Rhodesians can return to their country, as our main contribution to the solution of the refugee problem.
We cannot accept responsibility for all Rhodesian refugees. However, as our considerable contributions to UNHCR show, we have a deep humanitarian concern for them. We greatly value the UNHCR's work and hope that, as well as providing for their basic physical needs, the UNHCR will do their best in admittedly difficult circumstances to ensure that young children in parti- cular can receive some education, and are not pressed into the guerrilla armies.
There has been an alarming increase in the number of refugees leaving Rhodesia since the signature of the March 3 agreement. This has greatly exacerbated the problems, particularly in Botswana, but the authorities are doing an admirable job in
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CONFIDENTIAL